Charming UK town was once setting for major British TV show | UK | Travel
A quaint UK town served as the filming location for a major TV show that aired for 37 years – and it remains equally charming in reality.
Holmfirth, located in West Yorkshire and merely 20 minutes from Huddersfield, is a delightful town distinguished by cobbled streets, independent shops, welcoming tearooms and a flourishing community atmosphere. It lies within Holme Valley, amid the rolling Pennine hills, and borders the varied landscapes of the Peak District National Park.
Due to its postcard-perfect setting and stone-built cottages, Holmfirth became a notable filming location for the legendary TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine. The comedy programme chronicled three pensioners, Compo, Foggy, and Norman, and their spirited escapades, propelling the Yorkshire town into the limelight while showcasing its undeniable charm.
Last of the Summer Wine ran for an impressive 31 series and 295 episodes from 1973 to 2010, making it the world’s longest-running sitcom. A walk through the town is sufficient to transport you straight onto the set of the cherished programme and provides an idyllic day trip, regardless of whether you viewed the show or not.
The initial stop for any guest should be the renowned Sids Cafe, which appeared extensively in Last of the Summer Wine, and will take you back in time. The charming café features checked green and white tablecloths and curtains, for that classic ambience, and serves a comforting brew, delicious cakes and lunch options, alongside its iconic TV memorabilia, teapots and photographs.
Next door is the equally delightful Beatties Deli and Coffee Shop, offering an array of sandwiches, scones, and that essential brew, with a choice of loose-leaf and speciality teas. In terms of their cosy tearooms, that’s not all, as there’s also the Wrinkled Stocking Tea Room and Ribbles of Holmfirth, all providing that quintessentially British treat, reports Yorkshire Live.
Contributing to the town’s rural appeal is the collection of independent retailers tucked amongst the stone cottage structures. From Occasions Cards and Gifts, The Chocolate Box, Fair Trader, Shades of China, Multicraft Cabin, Nellie’s Keepsake Co, and Fabulous Gladrags, there’s masses to explore.
One notable highlight is the independent bookshop Read, which stocks a variety of children’s and adult titles and holds various community gatherings. Daisy Lane Books is another tucked-away treasure, with shelves brimming with second-hand novels, with some costing just £1 – so you’re certain to discover a bargain.
You can also catch live music at the Picturedrome and visit Holme Valley Heavy Horse Centre, where they famously have horses that appeared in major TV shows such as Peaky Blinders. The town is also home to its very own Holmfirth Vineyard, where you can go wine tasting, enjoy an afternoon, and even stay the night at its accommodation.
While the town is compact, with a population of approximately 5,000, it doesn’t diminish its welcoming atmosphere and community spirit. It’s a location where you can enjoy a cuppa while catching up with friends, or take a relaxed stroll around its picturesque setting, with various walks around the Yorkshire valleys, moors and rolling hills.
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